On 9/13/11, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
The scope will probably include an inexpensive eyepiece
OK, I have to cut-off reservations today, as I have exhausted the stocks of my suppliers for the time being, but everyone who contacted me both on-and-off list will have their orders filled. The only disappointment is that the eyepiece I had my eye on (no pun intended) is unavailable, and any available substitutions would double the cost of the scope. So I'm hoping that everyone has a suitable eyepiece already on-hand. If not, let me know and I'll see if I can assemble something from my lens inventory. Magnifications for given eyepiece focal lengths. Objective FL = 600mm: 40mm = 15X 30mm = 20X 25mm = 24X 20mm = 30X The scopes will have a 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser, 1.25" star diagonal, a 50mm air-spaced achromatic objective, and installed Baader solar filter. The filter will be placed either behind a protective optical window in front of the objective, or directly behind the objective itself. I'm kicking around some ideas for a mechanism to retract the filter when not looking at the sun, but won't make that promise due to safety concerns. Also thinking of a simple, integrated solar finder, but that's not really necessary if you just use the scope's shadow for aiming. We'll see what happens, stay tuned.
I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks, Chuck! On Thu, Sep 15, 2011 at 10:39 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
On 9/13/11, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
The scope will probably include an inexpensive eyepiece
OK, I have to cut-off reservations today, as I have exhausted the stocks of my suppliers for the time being, but everyone who contacted me both on-and-off list will have their orders filled.
The only disappointment is that the eyepiece I had my eye on (no pun intended) is unavailable, and any available substitutions would double the cost of the scope. So I'm hoping that everyone has a suitable eyepiece already on-hand. If not, let me know and I'll see if I can assemble something from my lens inventory.
Magnifications for given eyepiece focal lengths. Objective FL = 600mm:
40mm = 15X 30mm = 20X 25mm = 24X 20mm = 30X
The scopes will have a 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser, 1.25" star diagonal, a 50mm air-spaced achromatic objective, and installed Baader solar filter. The filter will be placed either behind a protective optical window in front of the objective, or directly behind the objective itself. I'm kicking around some ideas for a mechanism to retract the filter when not looking at the sun, but won't make that promise due to safety concerns. Also thinking of a simple, integrated solar finder, but that's not really necessary if you just use the scope's shadow for aiming.
We'll see what happens, stay tuned.
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On 9/15/11, Chrismo <djchrismo@gmail.com> wrote:
I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks, Chuck!
Thanks to YOU, and everyone else who reserved a scope. It will help keep me out of the bars this fall. ;o) IF my suppliers get re-stocked in coming months, at the suggestion of a SLAS board member, I may repeat the offer come January or February and throw it open to all SLAS members, not just Utah-astronomy listserve members. I can say now that if I do, the cost will go up at least five to ten dollars per unit, so the early birds got the best deal. One person asked if I could include provision for attaching a dovetail, in addition to or instead of the tripod-mounting block. That's a good idea and I'll look into it.
Tack on an extra $10 for the 'signature' models too! On Thu, Sep 15, 2011 at 11:26 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
On 9/15/11, Chrismo <djchrismo@gmail.com> wrote:
I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks, Chuck!
Thanks to YOU, and everyone else who reserved a scope.
It will help keep me out of the bars this fall. ;o)
IF my suppliers get re-stocked in coming months, at the suggestion of a SLAS board member, I may repeat the offer come January or February and throw it open to all SLAS members, not just Utah-astronomy listserve members. I can say now that if I do, the cost will go up at least five to ten dollars per unit, so the early birds got the best deal.
One person asked if I could include provision for attaching a dovetail, in addition to or instead of the tripod-mounting block. That's a good idea and I'll look into it.
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My needs to be with the tripod mounting block. I already have the tripod :) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chuck Hards" <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2011 11:26:56 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] White-light solar scope update On 9/15/11, Chrismo <djchrismo@gmail.com> wrote:
I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks, Chuck!
Thanks to YOU, and everyone else who reserved a scope. It will help keep me out of the bars this fall. ;o) IF my suppliers get re-stocked in coming months, at the suggestion of a SLAS board member, I may repeat the offer come January or February and throw it open to all SLAS members, not just Utah-astronomy listserve members. I can say now that if I do, the cost will go up at least five to ten dollars per unit, so the early birds got the best deal. One person asked if I could include provision for attaching a dovetail, in addition to or instead of the tripod-mounting block. That's a good idea and I'll look into it. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
A big box of focusers was waiting for me on the porch when I got home yesterday. Objectives are still in-transit. I had several on-hand, but had to order more to take care of everyone who requested a scope. I already have the Baader solar filter material. This weekend I'll hopefully finalize the design details. I need to put together a prototype and test the little optical windows I obtained. If they flunk the quality test, then I'll probably locate the filter in-contact with the rear objective element, but a location at the bottom of the dewcap (glare shield, in this case) in front of the objective will offer quite a bit of protection from accidental damage. Stay tuned.
Thanks for the update! I'm excited :) Mr. Kim A. Hibbert, CPM BONNEVILLE REALTY MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 71590 Salt Lake City, Utah 84171 Office: 801.947.1050 Fax: 801.947.1005 Cell: 801.580.2832 Email: khibbert@bonnevillerealty.com -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 7:29 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] White-light solar scope update A big box of focusers was waiting for me on the porch when I got home yesterday. Objectives are still in-transit. I had several on-hand, but had to order more to take care of everyone who requested a scope. I already have the Baader solar filter material. This weekend I'll hopefully finalize the design details. I need to put together a prototype and test the little optical windows I obtained. If they flunk the quality test, then I'll probably locate the filter in-contact with the rear objective element, but a location at the bottom of the dewcap (glare shield, in this case) in front of the objective will offer quite a bit of protection from accidental damage. Stay tuned. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
Wish I had put my name on one! Sounds like a great think Chuck. On Tue, Sep 20, 2011 at 8:42 AM, Kim Hibbert <khibbert@bonnevillerealty.com>wrote:
Thanks for the update! I'm excited :)
Mr. Kim A. Hibbert, CPM BONNEVILLE REALTY MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 71590 Salt Lake City, Utah 84171 Office: 801.947.1050 Fax: 801.947.1005 Cell: 801.580.2832 Email: khibbert@bonnevillerealty.com
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 7:29 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] White-light solar scope update
A big box of focusers was waiting for me on the porch when I got home yesterday.
Objectives are still in-transit. I had several on-hand, but had to order more to take care of everyone who requested a scope. I already have the Baader solar filter material.
This weekend I'll hopefully finalize the design details. I need to put together a prototype and test the little optical windows I obtained. If they flunk the quality test, then I'll probably locate the filter in-contact with the rear objective element, but a location at the bottom of the dewcap (glare shield, in this case) in front of the objective will offer quite a bit of protection from accidental damage.
Stay tuned.
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-- Jay Eads
Sure Chuck. How much should I set aside? On Tue, Sep 20, 2011 at 11:58 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
On 9/20/11, Jay Eads <jayleads@gmail.com> wrote:
Wish I had put my name on one! Sounds like a great think Chuck.
There may be one or two extras from this batch. Want me to put you on the "standby" list, just in case?
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-- Jay Eads
On 9/21/11, Josh <mountaindrifter@gmail.com> wrote:
I'd love to be on the stand by list as well.
OK Josh, I can't guarantee that the standbys will get one, but you're on the list. If there is sufficient demand I'll probably make another batch in January or February, well in advance of the eclipse and Venus transit.
Surplus Shed was late shipping out some components by a few days, so I didn't get to work on them over the weekend. UPS tracking says they'll all be here by Wednesday. The sun was showing a lot of prominences and many spots and surface detail at the school sun party Friday morning.
Good news. I established a final configuration for the scope this weekend and have started making parts on my lathe. I hope to have a working prototype in the next day or two, then it's off to the races on full production. I have also come up with a name for this product. I am calling it the "Sunspotter". ;-) Stay tuned.
Chuck, I'm on the backup list in case you are able to make more than you originally took orders for. I am largely unaware of the design you are using to build these scopes, however, I noticed you said lathe! If the design requires wood turning I have a lathe and experience if you would like any help. Josh On Sun, Oct 2, 2011 at 9:21 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Good news.
I established a final configuration for the scope this weekend and have started making parts on my lathe. I hope to have a working prototype in the next day or two, then it's off to the races on full production.
I have also come up with a name for this product. I am calling it the "Sunspotter". ;-)
Stay tuned.
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On 10/2/11, Josh <mountaindrifter@gmail.com> wrote:
Chuck,
I'm on the backup list in case you are able to make more than you originally took orders for. I am largely unaware of the design you are using to build these scopes, however, I noticed you said lathe! If the design requires wood turning I have a lathe and experience if you would like any help.
Thanks for the offer of help Josh, but I'm good. Each scope has 2 plastic parts that I'm turning on my metal lathe, no wood involved. It's basically a traditional refractor, with an integrated, non-removeable solar filter. (The filter can be replaced, however, if ever needed, but it should last a lifetime) Rack and pinion focuser, included 1.25" star diagonal. You and Jay Eads are both on the standy list, and it looks like you both will get a scope. I cleaned-out my suppliers of focusers and objectives but both say they will be restocked in coming months. If so, I'll do another batch this winter.
Sounds great! Thought so, but figured it couldn't hurt to offer. I look forward to using it. You taking advanced payment? On Sun, Oct 2, 2011 at 11:12 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
On 10/2/11, Josh <mountaindrifter@gmail.com> wrote:
Chuck,
I'm on the backup list in case you are able to make more than you originally took orders for. I am largely unaware of the design you are using to build these scopes, however, I noticed you said lathe! If the design requires wood turning I have a lathe and experience if you would like any help.
Thanks for the offer of help Josh, but I'm good. Each scope has 2 plastic parts that I'm turning on my metal lathe, no wood involved.
It's basically a traditional refractor, with an integrated, non-removeable solar filter. (The filter can be replaced, however, if ever needed, but it should last a lifetime) Rack and pinion focuser, included 1.25" star diagonal.
You and Jay Eads are both on the standy list, and it looks like you both will get a scope.
I cleaned-out my suppliers of focusers and objectives but both say they will be restocked in coming months. If so, I'll do another batch this winter.
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On 10/2/11, Josh <mountaindrifter@gmail.com> wrote:
Sounds great! Thought so, but figured it couldn't hurt to offer. I look forward to using it. You taking advanced payment?
Nope, all "sales" are strictly COD. And if you're not happy with it when you get it, I'll take it back with no hard feelings. I do appreciate the offer, however! I've made a little money from astro sales in the past, but it's not a business. I honestly wish I could afford to make scopes and give them away, just to get people looking at the sky. Maybe when I hit the Idaho lottery, lol. For now I just want to keep this hobby somewhat self-supporting, is all. When the "Woodshop Telescope" article was published in S&T, I got a couple of offers from manufacturers to mass-market the design, but they all wanted to cut corners to hit a price point. What they wanted to make would have been a step backwards, and I declined. My wallet cried, but I got to keep my personal integrity. See those curvy rocker boxes on Orion Dobs? Those were inspired by my design.
i love my Orion dob! On Sun, Oct 2, 2011 at 11:50 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
On 10/2/11, Josh <mountaindrifter@gmail.com> wrote:
Sounds great! Thought so, but figured it couldn't hurt to offer. I look forward to using it. You taking advanced payment?
Nope, all "sales" are strictly COD. And if you're not happy with it when you get it, I'll take it back with no hard feelings. I do appreciate the offer, however!
I've made a little money from astro sales in the past, but it's not a business. I honestly wish I could afford to make scopes and give them away, just to get people looking at the sky. Maybe when I hit the Idaho lottery, lol. For now I just want to keep this hobby somewhat self-supporting, is all.
When the "Woodshop Telescope" article was published in S&T, I got a couple of offers from manufacturers to mass-market the design, but they all wanted to cut corners to hit a price point. What they wanted to make would have been a step backwards, and I declined. My wallet cried, but I got to keep my personal integrity.
See those curvy rocker boxes on Orion Dobs? Those were inspired by my design.
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Great progress this week. I replaced my dead lathe and am back in high-gear (pun intended). Here's a teaser: http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii24/JethroTull1958/Sunspotterteaser.jpg ATMing is more fun than should be allowed by law. :o)
The "Law of New Telescope Owners" states that as soon as you get it, we'll have a week straight of solid overcast. And since I'm delivering ten of these, that means 2 months of lousy weather! ;-)
I finished cutting out all the tripod mounting blocks and will get them drilled and tapped this week. All the various components are basically done, just the drillling and tapping, priming and painting remain before final assembly. The first finished examples should be ready for delivery before Thanksgiving. I assemble each one individually, one at a time. I prefer this method to the assembly-line method, which I only use for production of the individual parts. Stay tuned.
I've been working 60-hour weeks for the past 2 months and as a result the SunSpotter project has been delayed. Even so, I've managed a few hours per week on them so they haven't been at a total stand-still. My work schedule drops off to "normal" after December 6th, and I should be able to wrap things up well before Christmas. I'm also having some oral surgery in December but that shouldn't keep me away from the workbench. I'm glad to have a job this Thanksgiving, even though as salaried management I get no overtime pay for all those hours. But the pay-off is that it is for a contract that will keep a lot of production employees working throughout December and into January. Nobody will be laid-off during a traditionally slow period, if I deliver all these molds on-time. I hope those of you waiting for a scope understand. Both Norm and Mark have been added to the list, with Joan dropping-off. I was going to keep one for myself but will let it go. If my suppliers can get re-stocked after Christmas, I plan on another run in the Spring, well before the eclipse and Venus transit. I'll grab one from that batch for myself. The price will be higher, though, so you early-birds are getting a great deal. My apologies for the delay, none of you will be disappointed with the results. Happy Thanksgiving!
Chuck, I can't speak for everybody, and I'm not up for a solar scope (though eventually when you get time we can work on that dew shield) -- but I just want to say I am extremely grateful for your kindness and help with matters that we mere mortals can't hope to accomplish. -- Best wishes, Joe ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 6:43 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] White-light solar scope update I've been working 60-hour weeks for the past 2 months and as a result the SunSpotter project has been delayed. Even so, I've managed a few hours per week on them so they haven't been at a total stand-still. My work schedule drops off to "normal" after December 6th, and I should be able to wrap things up well before Christmas. I'm also having some oral surgery in December but that shouldn't keep me away from the workbench. I'm glad to have a job this Thanksgiving, even though as salaried management I get no overtime pay for all those hours. But the pay-off is that it is for a contract that will keep a lot of production employees working throughout December and into January. Nobody will be laid-off during a traditionally slow period, if I deliver all these molds on-time. I hope those of you waiting for a scope understand. Both Norm and Mark have been added to the list, with Joan dropping-off. I was going to keep one for myself but will let it go. If my suppliers can get re-stocked after Christmas, I plan on another run in the Spring, well before the eclipse and Venus transit. I'll grab one from that batch for myself. The price will be higher, though, so you early-birds are getting a great deal. My apologies for the delay, none of you will be disappointed with the results. Happy Thanksgiving! _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
Just wanted to say thank you so much and thanks for the update, I don't know how you find the time to work 60 hour weeks and still get anything done on the scopes at all! Thanks! Ian On Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 10:39 AM, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com>wrote:
Chuck, I can't speak for everybody, and I'm not up for a solar scope (though eventually when you get time we can work on that dew shield) -- but I just want to say I am extremely grateful for your kindness and help with matters that we mere mortals can't hope to accomplish. -- Best wishes, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 6:43 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] White-light solar scope update
I've been working 60-hour weeks for the past 2 months and as a result the SunSpotter project has been delayed. Even so, I've managed a few hours per week on them so they haven't been at a total stand-still.
My work schedule drops off to "normal" after December 6th, and I should be able to wrap things up well before Christmas. I'm also having some oral surgery in December but that shouldn't keep me away from the workbench.
I'm glad to have a job this Thanksgiving, even though as salaried management I get no overtime pay for all those hours. But the pay-off is that it is for a contract that will keep a lot of production employees working throughout December and into January. Nobody will be laid-off during a traditionally slow period, if I deliver all these molds on-time. I hope those of you waiting for a scope understand.
Both Norm and Mark have been added to the list, with Joan dropping-off. I was going to keep one for myself but will let it go. If my suppliers can get re-stocked after Christmas, I plan on another run in the Spring, well before the eclipse and Venus transit. I'll grab one from that batch for myself. The price will be higher, though, so you early-birds are getting a great deal.
My apologies for the delay, none of you will be disappointed with the results.
Happy Thanksgiving!
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
Chuck, May I inquire if I am on the list? I know I was an alternate but I seem to recall being bumped up but I am confused (man, its that middle age stuff starting to settle in). Thanks, Jay On Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 10:47 AM, Ian Glenn <root.ibg@gmail.com> wrote:
Just wanted to say thank you so much and thanks for the update, I don't know how you find the time to work 60 hour weeks and still get anything done on the scopes at all!
Thanks!
Ian
On Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 10:39 AM, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com
wrote:
Chuck, I can't speak for everybody, and I'm not up for a solar scope (though eventually when you get time we can work on that dew shield) -- but I just want to say I am extremely grateful for your kindness and help with matters that we mere mortals can't hope to accomplish. -- Best wishes, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 6:43 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] White-light solar scope update
I've been working 60-hour weeks for the past 2 months and as a result the SunSpotter project has been delayed. Even so, I've managed a few hours per week on them so they haven't been at a total stand-still.
My work schedule drops off to "normal" after December 6th, and I should be able to wrap things up well before Christmas. I'm also having some oral surgery in December but that shouldn't keep me away from the workbench.
I'm glad to have a job this Thanksgiving, even though as salaried management I get no overtime pay for all those hours. But the pay-off is that it is for a contract that will keep a lot of production employees working throughout December and into January. Nobody will be laid-off during a traditionally slow period, if I deliver all these molds on-time. I hope those of you waiting for a scope understand.
Both Norm and Mark have been added to the list, with Joan dropping-off. I was going to keep one for myself but will let it go. If my suppliers can get re-stocked after Christmas, I plan on another run in the Spring, well before the eclipse and Venus transit. I'll grab one from that batch for myself. The price will be higher, though, so you early-birds are getting a great deal.
My apologies for the delay, none of you will be disappointed with the results.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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-- Jay Eads
YES Chuck you need a standing ovation for your work. Let me know if I can help in any way. Thanks again Mark ________________________________ From: Ian Glenn <root.ibg@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 10:47 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] White-light solar scope update Just wanted to say thank you so much and thanks for the update, I don't know how you find the time to work 60 hour weeks and still get anything done on the scopes at all! Thanks! Ian On Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 10:39 AM, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com>wrote:
Chuck, I can't speak for everybody, and I'm not up for a solar scope (though eventually when you get time we can work on that dew shield) -- but I just want to say I am extremely grateful for your kindness and help with matters that we mere mortals can't hope to accomplish. -- Best wishes, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 6:43 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] White-light solar scope update
I've been working 60-hour weeks for the past 2 months and as a result the SunSpotter project has been delayed. Even so, I've managed a few hours per week on them so they haven't been at a total stand-still.
My work schedule drops off to "normal" after December 6th, and I should be able to wrap things up well before Christmas. I'm also having some oral surgery in December but that shouldn't keep me away from the workbench.
I'm glad to have a job this Thanksgiving, even though as salaried management I get no overtime pay for all those hours. But the pay-off is that it is for a contract that will keep a lot of production employees working throughout December and into January. Nobody will be laid-off during a traditionally slow period, if I deliver all these molds on-time. I hope those of you waiting for a scope understand.
Both Norm and Mark have been added to the list, with Joan dropping-off. I was going to keep one for myself but will let it go. If my suppliers can get re-stocked after Christmas, I plan on another run in the Spring, well before the eclipse and Venus transit. I'll grab one from that batch for myself. The price will be higher, though, so you early-birds are getting a great deal.
My apologies for the delay, none of you will be disappointed with the results.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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On 11/22/11, Mark Shelton <astroshelton@yahoo.com> wrote:
YES Chuck you need a standing ovation for your work. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Thanks guys, I don't deserve a standing ovation, in fact I'd settle for a cold beer. ;o) Deloy's eyepiece and Joe's dewcap are next, immediately after the solar scopes.
Chuck, I’d like to be put on the solar scope list when you plan another round in Spring. I know the price will be higher, but that’s the price for procrastination. It will be nice to have an original Hards Solar Scope. Dave Dave On Nov 22, 2011, at 6:43 AM, Chuck Hards wrote:
I've been working 60-hour weeks for the past 2 months and as a result the SunSpotter project has been delayed. Even so, I've managed a few hours per week on them so they haven't been at a total stand-still.
My work schedule drops off to "normal" after December 6th, and I should be able to wrap things up well before Christmas. I'm also having some oral surgery in December but that shouldn't keep me away from the workbench.
I'm glad to have a job this Thanksgiving, even though as salaried management I get no overtime pay for all those hours. But the pay-off is that it is for a contract that will keep a lot of production employees working throughout December and into January. Nobody will be laid-off during a traditionally slow period, if I deliver all these molds on-time. I hope those of you waiting for a scope understand.
Both Norm and Mark have been added to the list, with Joan dropping-off. I was going to keep one for myself but will let it go. If my suppliers can get re-stocked after Christmas, I plan on another run in the Spring, well before the eclipse and Venus transit. I'll grab one from that batch for myself. The price will be higher, though, so you early-birds are getting a great deal.
My apologies for the delay, none of you will be disappointed with the results.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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On 11/22/11, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Chuck,
I’d like to be put on the solar scope list when you plan another round in Spring. I know the price will be higher, but that’s the price for procrastination. It will be nice to have an original Hards Solar Scope.
Sir, you are on that list. Even if I can't get the parts for a full run (I was hoping to make up to 30 next time), I'll build as many as I can get parts for. AND...there's always the possibility of a larger-aperture version. Increased aperture=increased resolution. ;-) Thanks Dave! C.
Sometimes I think a solar scope would get more work than my other scopes. On Wed, Nov 23, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
On 11/22/11, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Chuck,
I’d like to be put on the solar scope list when you plan another round in Spring. I know the price will be higher, but that’s the price for procrastination. It will be nice to have an original Hards Solar Scope.
Sir, you are on that list.
Even if I can't get the parts for a full run (I was hoping to make up to 30 next time), I'll build as many as I can get parts for.
AND...there's always the possibility of a larger-aperture version. Increased aperture=increased resolution. ;-)
Thanks Dave!
C.
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-- Jay Eads
A larger-aperture version sounds great. Let’s talk off-post about what you can provide for a price that’s fair to you. Having a nice solar scope would be another way to expand this vocation. Besides, St. George is rarely at a loss for sunny days. Dave Dave On Nov 23, 2011, at 6:06 PM, Chuck Hards wrote:
On 11/22/11, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Chuck,
I’d like to be put on the solar scope list when you plan another round in Spring. I know the price will be higher, but that’s the price for procrastination. It will be nice to have an original Hards Solar Scope.
Sir, you are on that list.
Even if I can't get the parts for a full run (I was hoping to make up to 30 next time), I'll build as many as I can get parts for.
AND...there's always the possibility of a larger-aperture version. Increased aperture=increased resolution. ;-)
Thanks Dave!
C.
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Ok! On Nov 23, 2011 7:03 PM, "Dave Gary" <davegary@me.com> wrote:
A larger-aperture version sounds great. Let’s talk off-post about what you can provide for a price that’s fair to you. Having a nice solar scope would be another way to expand this vocation. Besides, St. George is rarely at a loss for sunny days.
Dave
Dave On Nov 23, 2011, at 6:06 PM, Chuck Hards wrote:
On 11/22/11, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Chuck,
I’d like to be put on the solar scope list when you plan another round in Spring. I know the price will be higher, but that’s the price for procrastination. It will be nice to have an original Hards Solar Scope.
Sir, you are on that list.
Even if I can't get the parts for a full run (I was hoping to make up to 30 next time), I'll build as many as I can get parts for.
AND...there's always the possibility of a larger-aperture version. Increased aperture=increased resolution. ;-)
Thanks Dave!
C.
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Just a thought but what do folks think of some sort of white light filter for SPOC's refractor? Thoughts? Suggestions? patrick On 23 Nov 2011, at 20:31, Chuck Hards wrote:
Ok! On Nov 23, 2011 7:03 PM, "Dave Gary" <davegary@me.com> wrote:
A larger-aperture version sounds great. Let’s talk off-post about what you can provide for a price that’s fair to you. Having a nice solar scope would be another way to expand this vocation. Besides, St. George is rarely at a loss for sunny days.
Dave
Dave On Nov 23, 2011, at 6:06 PM, Chuck Hards wrote:
On 11/22/11, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Chuck,
I’d like to be put on the solar scope list when you plan another round in Spring. I know the price will be higher, but that’s the price for procrastination. It will be nice to have an original Hards Solar Scope.
Sir, you are on that list.
Even if I can't get the parts for a full run (I was hoping to make up to 30 next time), I'll build as many as I can get parts for.
AND...there's always the possibility of a larger-aperture version. Increased aperture=increased resolution. ;-)
Thanks Dave!
C.
Why not? They are inexpensive.
Just a thought but what do folks think of some sort of white light filter
for SPOC's refractor?
Thoughts? Suggestions?
patrick
On 23 Nov 2011, at 20:31, Chuck Hards wrote:
Ok! On Nov 23, 2011 7:03 PM, "Dave Gary" <davegary@me.com> wrote:
A larger-aperture version sounds great. Lets talk off-post about what you can provide for a price thats fair to you. Having a nice solar scope would be another way to expand this vocation. Besides, St. George is rarely at a loss for sunny days.
Dave
Dave On Nov 23, 2011, at 6:06 PM, Chuck Hards wrote:
On 11/22/11, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Chuck,
Id like to be put on the solar scope list when you plan another round in Spring. I know the price will be higher, but thats the price for procrastination. It will be nice to have an original Hards Solar Scope.
Sir, you are on that list.
Even if I can't get the parts for a full run (I was hoping to make up to 30 next time), I'll build as many as I can get parts for.
AND...there's always the possibility of a larger-aperture version. Increased aperture=increased resolution. ;-)
Thanks Dave!
C.
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I spent most of the day working on the SunSpotter solar scopes. Made excellent progress. I had oral surgery yesterday. A failed 25-year-old crown left me with the choice of either a bridge, or an implant. Well, with sufficient funds left in my 125(k) flex account, I went for the implant. My ex-wife and brother have bridges and complain about them constantly. Today, with a sore mouth, stitches, and diminished bleeding, I still managed to get a lot done on the scopes. They wil definitely be done sometime this month! I've managed to not have to resort to the Percocets the oral surgeon prescribed, favoring over-the-counter pain/anti-inflamatory meds instead. The benefit here is that I don't have to skip Cocktail Hour, staying off the Percs. :-) I'm holding out hope that I can attend the SLAS solstice party, but won't make that decision until the last minute. The cost of the buffet is a waste with my mouth in stitches (have to stick to soup and such for a few more days, at least), and my GF might have to work. So, if I see you there, I'll see you there. If not, I'll catch up to you in coming days, weeks, or months. But the good news is that the solar scopes are moving along. Subscribers, expect delivery this month.
Sorry to hear about the sore mouth, but I think you made the right choice. -- Best wishes for rapid healing, Joe ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, December 9, 2011 5:49 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] White-light solar scope update I spent most of the day working on the SunSpotter solar scopes. Made excellent progress. I had oral surgery yesterday. A failed 25-year-old crown left me with the choice of either a bridge, or an implant. Well, with sufficient funds left in my 125(k) flex account, I went for the implant. My ex-wife and brother have bridges and complain about them constantly. Today, with a sore mouth, stitches, and diminished bleeding, I still managed to get a lot done on the scopes. They wil definitely be done sometime this month! I've managed to not have to resort to the Percocets the oral surgeon prescribed, favoring over-the-counter pain/anti-inflamatory meds instead. The benefit here is that I don't have to skip Cocktail Hour, staying off the Percs. :-) I'm holding out hope that I can attend the SLAS solstice party, but won't make that decision until the last minute. The cost of the buffet is a waste with my mouth in stitches (have to stick to soup and such for a few more days, at least), and my GF might have to work. So, if I see you there, I'll see you there. If not, I'll catch up to you in coming days, weeks, or months. But the good news is that the solar scopes are moving along. Subscribers, expect delivery this month. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
All the SunSpotter scopes will be done sometime during the week of Dec. 26th. I had intended to have them done long before then, but an unexpected fall work schedule has keep me at the shop for 60+ hour weeks for over 2-1/2 months. Being salaried, I see no OT for the extra hours. :-( I've still managed to put in a few hours per week on the batch, and they are progressing very well. I am pleased with the results and I'm sure all subscribers will be, too. Especially at the asking price. I have the entire week off work between Xmas and New Year's, and that time will see the project to completion. I will notify subscribers as their scopes are completed. The second batch tentatively scheduled for this spring will see a price increase. I do not intend to charge more than a few dollars for labor. This is very much a labor of love and is mostly intended for the purpose of solar max, the Venus transit, and the annular eclipse in 2012. The SunSpotter is the perfect white light portable solar scope for these observational opportunities. Now, the bad news for those awaiting the second batch. My suppliers still have not replenished thier stocks. Focusers are available, but objectives and diagonals are not. So the second batch is still unschedulable. As noted previously, the price will have to go up. To be determinded at the time of the project, dependent on supplier's pricing. I am looking into a larger aperture version, but it too is dependant on the surplus parts market. Thanks again to those who have waited patiently. You won't be disappointed. C.
participants (14)
-
Chrismo -
Chuck Hards -
Dave Gary -
erikhansen＠thebluezone.net -
Ian Glenn -
Jay Eads -
jcarman6＠q.com -
Joe Bauman -
Josh -
Josh M
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Kim Hibbert -
Mark Shelton -
Norm Hansen -
Patrick Wiggins